UAlbany Faculty, Staff Honored with SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence

photo of all recipients Chancellor, Provost and deans
Photo by Brian Busher

By Amy Geduldig  

ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 28, 2026) — University at Albany faculty and staff were recognized for their outstanding contributions in teaching, scholarship, faculty service, librarianship, and professional service at the SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence on Sept. 17.

The SUNY honor recognizes superior professional achievement and encourages the continued pursuit of excellence across the State University of New York system.

UAlbany Provost Carol Kim praised the 16 recipients for the impact of their work on students.  

“I want to thank today's awardees for the ways their outstanding work has enhanced UAlbany. Each of you has helped elevate the academic experience for our students through your unique contributions to our university,” Kim said.

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. congratulated the recipients and thanked them for their contributions to their campuses, students and the broader SUNY community.

“The individuals we honor ... all share a deep dedication to their institutions, commitment to excellence, and to going above and beyond in all that they do,” King said. “The thing I value most about our awardees is actually not just their impressive CVs or their expertise. It’s that at the same time they are some of SUNY’s finest public servants, teachers and librarians too. ... Thank you all for your service to our system, for leading in the pursuit of excellence, knowledge and service.”

UAlbany’s Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence recipients are:

Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities

  • Paolo Forni — Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts & Sciences
  • Annalisa Scimemi — Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts & Sciences
  • Barbara Sutton — Department of Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies, College of Arts & Sciences

Excellence in Teaching

  • Elise Andaya — Department of Anthropology, College of Arts & Sciences
  • Susan Cumings — Writing and Critical Inquiry Program
  • Jennifer Dodge — Department of Public Administration & Policy, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy
  • Teniell Trolian — Department of Educational Policy & Leadership, School of Education

Excellence in Faculty Service

  • Bret Benjamin — Department of English, College of Arts & Sciences
  • Ellen Rubin — Department of Public Administration & Policy, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy

Excellence in Librarianship

  • Lauren Puzier — University Libraries

Excellence in Professional Service

  • Laura Barron — Information Technology Services
  • Jameelee Ford — Residential Life
  • Melissa Powers — Registrar’s Office
  • Elana Stein — UAlbany in the High School, College of Arts & Sciences
  • David VanVranken — Office of Facilities Management
  • Renee Wallingford — Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy